Preparing for Supergirl: What to Know & What to Read First

The next installment of James Gunn’s highly anticipated DCU (DC Cinematic Universe) returns this summer, with Superman’s jaded cousin, Supergirl, taking the spotlight in their first feature film. If you’re wondering where to start reading Supergirl, want to see the comic(s) that inspired the film, or are even flirting with the idea of getting into comics, then we have got you covered here at Panel Bound Comics— Comics at an Organic Price. 

What We Know About the Movie

• Release Date: June 24, 2026, internationally, and June 26, 2026, in North America
• Cast: Milly Alcock (Kara Zor-El aka Supergirl), Eve Ridley (Ruthye Marye Knoll), Matthias Schoenaerts ( Krem of the Yellow Hills), and Jason Momoa (Lobo),
• Directed by: Craig Gillespie 
• Trailer: Supergirl | Official Trailer 
  • Don’t know what you missed in the trailer? Click here to read more about it!

Source Material Inspiration: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King

Comic That Inspired the Film

A lot of times in comic book movie adaptations, creators’ runs on books might be an afterthought to Hollywood moguls. However, in yet another move that proved him to be incredibly based, James Gunn directly name-dropped this comic as one of his favorite books of 2022, and as one of the cornerstone pieces in Phase One: “Gods and Monsters”, of his new DCU. Gunn was referring to none other than Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by a friend of The Brave and The Boys' YouTube Channel, Tom King.

Now, we recommend reading it in the oversized format to properly view the immaculate art by Bilquis Evely. You can get the Deluxe edition here. Or, the Deluxe’s hardcover variant dust jacket edition.  If you aren’t one for the larger formats, you need not worry! Panel Bound Comics has you saved! In fact, we have the hot, new Compact Comics edition and the trade paperback version, as well. 

 Essential Reading Before Watching

Of course, we recommend the previously mentioned masterpiece collected edition by Tom King. But, if you are looking to scratch a Kara Zor-El-sized itch in your brain, then we have you covered! In fact, we have two DC Finest books for you, Supergirl: Body and Soul, and Supergirl: Die and Let Live. 

And for our Omni-loving readers, we have a couple of delicious treats for you as well! For the lovers of yesteryear, we have the Silver Age omnibus. Or, for more modern tastes, we have both Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 of the New 52 omnibuses, as well.

P.S. Don’t let anyone taint your opinion about the New 52 era at DC comics. We here at Panel Bound Comics love ALL our collected editions! 

Final Thoughts

Despite some people’s opinions, James Gunn has yet to miss on projects in this new era of DC studios. Gunn has consistently demonstrated a clear love for comic books, a deep respect for the medium, and a track record of critical and commercial success on the Silver Screen. I, for one, am certainly excited for the next Kryptonian saga to unfold on the big stage, and we here at Panel Bound Comics hope you’ll read alongside us as we gear up for the Supergirl Movie! 

If you want to cash in on a discount and support your favorite YouTube Comic Creators, make sure to subscribe to any of their Channels and use their discount codes or aflliate links at checkout! In fact, here's one for you: https://www.panelboundcomics.com/?ref=f9ncqinc